Hip pads, also called butt pads or impact shorts, are padding that sits over your hips and tailbone. They aren't required gear like a helmet, but lots of riders wear them. Here's how to decide if they're right for you.
Who benefits most
- Beginner snowboarders. Backward falls onto the tailbone are the classic first-day injury and the reason many people quit after one trip.
- Kids learning to ski or ride. They fall constantly. Padding helps them stay out longer and stay positive.
- Park and freestyle riders practising jumps, boxes and rails.
- Anyone riding on hard or icy snow, where falls hurt more.
What to look for
- Coverage: the hips and tailbone are the key areas.
- Fit: adjustable straps so the pad stays in place when you move and fall.
- Size: choose by weight and build so it's snug without restricting movement.
- Comfort: you'll wear it all day, so it should fit over or under your snow pants easily.
Turtle-shell hip protectors
Our Shield Shell turtle hip protector is a padded turtle shell that straps on with adjustable buckles. Kids sizes fit riders 20-40 kg (44-88 lb) and adult sizes fit 40-100 kg (88-220 lb). It comes in green, blue and pink, with matching knee pads and full suits.
The bottom line
If you're new to snowboarding, buying for a kid, or spending time in the park, hip pads are a cheap way to make falls easier to shake off. Pair them with a helmet, which should always come first, and a lesson or two.